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Apricot variety

Blenheim

Also known as Royal, Royal Blenheim

The short answer

Blenheim requires 400 chill hours[1] and grows in USDA zones 7–9[1]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

Blenheim growing facts
Chill requirement400 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 7–9[1] (nursery figure)
PollinationSelf-fertile[1]
Harvest windowJune–July[1]
Years to bearingNot published
Blenheim apricotSpecies illustration — no historical watercolor exists for this cultivar

Notes

  • Self-fruitful apricot; classic California variety for fresh eating, drying and canning.[1]
  • Brown rot is the most serious disease of apricots in the upper Midwest.[2]

A year with your Blenheim

When the work happens for an apricot in USDA zone 8, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Apricot in zone 8
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune——————————
Thin——————————
Spray timing—————
Harvest——————————
Care——————————

See the full month-by-month apricot calendar for zone 8 →

Can I grow Blenheim where I live?

Check the verdict for a few regions, or your exact ZIP:

Growing a Blenheim? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

How many chill hours does Blenheim need?
Blenheim needs 400 chill hours.
What hardiness zones suit Blenheim?
Blenheim grows in USDA zones 7–9.
Is Blenheim self-pollinating?
Blenheim is self-fertile, though a pollination partner can improve cropping.

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. Blenheim (Royal) Apricot — DWN Variety Finder — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] University of Minnesota Extension. Growing stone fruits in the home garden — accessed July 2026